In Chocolate Heaven!

Alright readers, I was just visiting with my friend Sue of Crazy 4 Chocolate and she sent me home with a little three-pack of chocolate truffles featuring one of her new organic creations. Here's it's description on-line: "Dark organic chocolate surrounds this creamy organic dark chocolate ganache. Finished with a light dusting of organic cocoa powder." Yup...AMAZING! I can't think of a better way to Thank your guests for attending any event you happen to be planning. She has packages to suit any budget and, of course, will do small boxes for gifts at any time of year. Visit her website here for more information (tell her I sent you) while I get back to my glass of red wine and final truffle - Cheers!

Ahhh...the Organic Dark Chocolate Truffle has me drooling on my keyboard!

For the boys! Sue creates truffles fit to be paired with your favourite drink (think: Guiness beer and Jamieson whiskey)

Tulle Time!

Weddingbells online lists it's must-have gowns for 2011 and guess what - they're full of TULLE! I'm sharing the above gown because it reminds me of the classic Barbie Doll cakes from Loblaws!!! The gown is Platinum by Priscilla of Boston (Fall 2011 Collection).

Click here for the full list of dresses.
Click here for the recipe and directions to make the Barbie Doll cake! (LOL!)

Always inspiring...

Yes, it's true...I may have a small obsession with the Princess-to-be, Kate Middleton! She just looks like a regular, nice girl - with style to boot. Her own personal obsession with London clothing designer ISSA is no secret (as she's seen wearing a different dress of theirs daily), but thanks to People.com today, I was able to find similar styles that I thought would make great bridesmaids gowns.



This first gown may be on the riskier side, due to the lower neckline, but in my opinion, remains more elegant than riské - a little cleavage can go a long way!!! The similar dress is from the Dessy Collection line and retails for $210 (USD), although I'm sure with a little surfing online, you can find it for even cheaper. It is also available in over sixty colours and even allows you to mix and match the sash colour (fun!). Find it here.




I just love the fabric of these dresses she adores - they look so comfortable (LOL!) I am a fan of halter style dresses. I think they show off shoulders beautifully like a strapless, but are a great option for those who worry about pulling up at their gown all night. Although the pink gown is not a true halter style, it criss-crosses in the back. I love how it draws the eyes in and really slims the figure. It is an After Six design and retails for about $198 (USD) - find it here.

Windows with a view!

So after checking out pictures of the venue for the movie "American Wedding," I was reminded just how beautiful two major attractions here in the Canada's Capital are and thought I would share a few pictures of them as well. If you are looking for grandeur and views (and have a flexible budget), then these venues are for you.






A great thing about both the Museum of Civilization (in Gatineau) and the National Gallery of Canada (in Ottawa) is that they are on the Ottawa River and allow for fantastic pictures and views no matter where you are on the property. You can even find some greenery in nearby parks if you are not a fan of downtown scenery - so the options are endless!






Whether it's sunny, rainy, Winter or Summer, the light in both buildings is incredible thanks to the floor to ceiling glass walls and glass dome ceilings.

There are beautiful art pieces, staircases and hallways found in both as well, which can make for interesting pictures and can entertain guests as they wait for the celebration or reception to begin (a big bonus!)
These venues can definitely cater to any couple - hope they inspire you!

No. 93: American Wedding

Wow - I didn't realize just how old this movie was (meaning how old I am) until looking through pictures from American Wedding, of American Pie series of movies. I remember loving her dress and the ceremony setting with the arches at the time...well, my taste has changed a little since then!

What I do love though is that the indoor venue was so tall and made completely of glass, meaning that there is not much need for decoration. This type of venue gives a sense of grandeur and allows you to feel as though you are a part of nature without being outside. It makes me think of the National Gallery in Ottawa and the Museum of Civilisation in Gatineau (which both do weddings) and both have stunning views from their tall windows. (See next blog post!)

The linens used to decorate the tables in this movie have not gone out of style either as they are in classic ivory and irridescent gold/beige. The thick bows in the same fabric drape around the back of the covered chairs elegantly. Although I am not a rose person, I do still love the tall, huge flutes of flowers used as centrepieces - tall being a must-have in this type of venue. The soft white lights strewn about the room add the to the sparkle of the night sky, which can be seen thanks to the glass dome.

Although some styles do change, there are definitely some inspiring ideas to be taken from this one!

Invitation Gallery 7

As I've always said, it is super helpful when a couple come to me looking for stationery and know what they want. In the case of Kristian and Michael, they had an exact picture that they found online and with just a few adjustments to colour and layout, I was able to come up with exactly what they were looking for. The Toronto couple will be getting married in Florida with a smaller guest list, but wanted to share their joy when they return by holding a reception for all those who could not attend the smaller destination ceremony.

Since Kristian will be taking her future husband's family name, we chose to put the first initial of his family name (the "S") as a dark watermark in pink in the place of an ampersand ("&"). I love the cursive and caps mix as well as the pink on ivory on black. Very chic, simple and elegant!

They are also having programs, candy jar labels, place cards and itineraries made, so I will keep you posted as they are created.
Best wishes to the happy couple as they continue with their plans!

No. 94: The Hangover

As you can see, the caliber of movies I watched over the holidays was quite high! The Hangover was also playing on tv and I just love the wedding location and scenes at the end. I wish I could find more pictures and will continue to search, but for now, we'll have to make due with these.

The wedding takes place at her parents gorgeous, grand estate. The bride wore an Amsale gown with black ribbon detail around the waist. I love the classic picture/scene of her at the window, waiting for her man...it really shows off the dress too! I do like the simple flower in her hair, but found the tight/clean ponytail a little too severe for her strong face. In my opinion, she just looked angry (although her character was a little upset waiting for her groom!!!) Her bridesmaids looked equally elegant in mirror opposite gowns (black with white ribbon at the waist) and the little flower girls looked like sweet mini-brides! I would have loved this as a six-year-old!

You know already how much I love outdoor weddings - this one was no exception. The soft glow of the globe paper lanterns in the trees and around the large dance floor pergola add a romantic flair. Of course, the wedding music (sung by The Dan Band - a comedy group) set the mood with their take on "The Candy Shop" at the end of the film!

If you haven't seen this one, rent it...and have a few drinks while you do!

No.95: Legally Blonde 2

Wow - so just because I haven't posted in a little while, doesn't mean I wasn't thinking of all the lovely inspiration ideas that I've had! I got to have a few down days over the holidays to just lie around a watch some great and awful movies...and with the wedding theme in mind, I am noticing just how many movies have marriages in the storyline. Legally Blonde 2 just happened to be on television, so I thought I'd share the few pictures I could find.

Reese is just so gorgeous to begin with, so I do love how her character "Elle" kept her style simple (long flowing hair, minimal makeup, and simple, yet elegant Reem Acra gown). Of course, the ring was her signature style with a light pink stone flanked by diamonds. If you really love it, a replica can be purchased for less than $10 online at Overstock.com!